The Director-General of the National Automotive Design and Development Council, Mr Jelani Aliyu has stated that the repositioning of the NADDC in the automotive industry will help provide millions of jobs for Nigerians.
According to a news report by NAN, he made this statement during a staff retreat.
Aliyu noted that strategies to achieve massive gains in the automotive industry had been facilitated, and NADDC was capable of providing direct and indirect jobs to citizens by leveraging the opportunities inherent in the automotive industry.
He stressed that the activity would surely pave way for Nigeria to be in the automotive competitive world which would save the nation’s income and enhance revenue generation.
What they are saying
Mr. Aliyu while speaking at the staff retreat said:
”Presently, the sector provided jobs to about 50,000 people in the country. With the advent of electric cars; more investments are being recorded with more job opportunities along with other economic advantages.”
The Board Chairman of NADDC, Sen. Osita Izunaso, stressed that the Federal Government was taking steps to ensure an enabling environment for the sector to improve. In his words, he said:
”NADDC is developing dynamic and effective directions for the automotive industry in Nigeria, therefore, the agency evolves policies, programs, and actions that drove investment in the sector.
”The agency like other government organizations is facing challenges due to the COVID-19 pandemic, in spite of that, NADDC was able to complete projects and record achievements.
”Some of the projects are, completion of new Lagos and Zaria testing centers; the opening of seven zonal offices; completed road project leading to Enugu testing laboratory. The agency also established automotive training centers of various stages among others.”
What you should know
- In an effort to set the wheels of the Nigerian automotive industry on the path of growth and expansion, the Federal Government formulated the Nigerian Automotive Industry Development Plan (NAIDP). This plan would provide incentives that are targeted at creating an environment for existing assembly plants to thrive and also attract new investors in the automotive industry.
- To jumpstart this plan, the Nigerian Government launched a Vehicle Finance Scheme that would help Nigerians own new cars.
- The scheme will help to create the needed demand for domestic players in the automotive industry, as individuals with a sustainable source of income would be able to acquire their choice car by depositing just 10% of the total cost, while the balance would be paid in monthly installments within a stipulated number of years.